System and Method for Playing a Game

ABSTRACT

A system and method for playing a game. The table can be electronic or physical. The table has a game surface surrounded by two side rails and two end rails. The two end rails are approximately perpendicular to the two side rails. The table has at least one goal located on the downstream end of the table. The goal has at least one goal slot for receiving a puck which has been thrown. The table also has a scratch guard located upstream of the goal separating said game surface into a shooting zone and a field of play. The field of play is downstream from the shooting zone. A puck is thrown into the goal and scores are tabulated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for playing a game.

Description of Related Art

Games such as cornhole, pool, washers, etc. are increasing inpopularity. However, one disadvantage is the amount of space these gamesrequire in order to be played. Consequently, it is desirable to have agame and system which is enjoyable to play and which requires lessspace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game table in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the goal slot in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the goals in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game table in one embodiment. Whilethe game table 100 is depicted as being rectangular, this is forillustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The tablecan comprise virtually any shape including oval, circular, square, etc.

The game table 100 can comprise virtually any suitable materialincluding wood, metal, polymers, plastics, etc. One embodiment utilizingwood will be discussed.

As depicted, the game table 100 comprises a game surface 100. This is anupwardly facing surface upon which pucks 103 slide. In one embodimentthe game surface 100 is substantially planar. The game surface 100 cancomprise virtually any material discussed above, but in one embodimentthe game surface 100 comprises wood. The game surface 100 can comprise apainted, waxed, printed, laminated, etc. surface upon which symbols,words, text, and/or graphics can be placed. In one embodiment the gamesurface 100 comprises a single integrally made piece of material. Suchan integrally made piece does not offer cracks or joints which couldinterfere with the sliding of pucks 103. Accordingly, in one embodiment,an integrally made piece offers a smoother surface for game play.

Serving as a boundary for the play area are the rails 102. Rails 102, asused herein, refer to a physical boundary which define the play area. Inone embodiment the rails 102 extend upwardly from the surface of thegame surface 101 such as to provide a physical barrier. In suchembodiments, pucks 103 will bounce and ricochet off of the rails 102.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the game table 101 has two siderails 102 a running in parallel relationship along the length of thetable and two opposing end rails 102 b which are perpendicular to theside rails 102. In one embodiment the side rails 102 a run the entirelength of the game table 101. In one embodiment the side rails 102 havea length of about 6 inches to about 6 feet. In another embodiment theside rails 102 a have a length of about 4 feet. In one embodiment thetwo end rails 102 b extend between the side rails 102 a. In oneembodiment the two side rails 102 a intersect and are coupled to the twoend rails 102 b. The two end rails 102 b, in one embodiment, extend forbetween about 6 inches to about 3 feet. In another embodiment the endrails 102 b extend to about 2 feet.

The rails 102 can extend virtually any distance above the face of thegame surface 101. In one embodiment the rails 102 extend upward about 1inch whereas in other embodiments the rails 102 extend one foot.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, in one embodiment the game table 100further comprises a scratch guard 104. A scratch guard 104 is a linedemarking how far from the goal 105 that the user must be when the userreleases the puck 103. The scratch guard 104 can comprise a line drawnor otherwise depicted on the game surface 101. In other embodiments, andas depicted, the scratch guard 104 comprises a physical boundary whichprevents the user from releasing the puck downstream of the scratchguard 104. As used herein, downstream refers to a location on the gamesurface 101 which is closer to the goal 105, and upstream refers to alocation which is comparatively further from the goal 105. Accordingly,in one embodiment, the scratch guard 104 prevents the user fromreleasing the puck 103 downstream from the scratch guard 104.

In one embodiment the scratch guard 104 comprises a substantiallyhorizontal member which prevents the user's hand from moving upstream ofthe scratch guard 104. In one embodiment the scratch guard 104 is raisedand offset vertically relative to the game surface 101. In such anembodiment the scratch guard 104 is separated from the game surface 101by a playing distance. The playing distance is a distance which is greatenough to allow for the passage of the pucks 103. As will be discussedin more detail below, a user slides a puck 103 and releases it upstreamfrom the scratch guard 104. The puck 103 is then allowed to slideunderneath the scratch guard 104. The playing distance can varydepending upon the thickness of the puck 103. In one embodiment theplaying distance ranges from about one-fifth of an inch to about oneinch.

Upstream of the scratch guard 104 is an area called the shooting zone110. This is the area in which the users can slide and release the pucks103. This is also the area in which the pucks 103 which have not beenshot, or released, are kept. Downstream of the scratch guard 104, andupstream of the goals 105, is an area referred to as the field of play111. This is the area in which shot and unscored pucks 103 remain afterbeing released. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Downstream of the shooting zone 110 is at least one goal 105. Asdepicted, the game table 100 comprises four goals 105 a-d. While fourgoals are depicted, this is for illustrative purposes only and shouldnot be deemed limiting. Virtually any number of goals 105, withvirtually any shape, can be utilized. In one embodiment, and asdepicted, all of the goals 105 have the same size. In other embodiments,however, one or more goals can comprise a comparatively smaller size,making it more difficult to score a puck 103.

In one embodiment, at least one goal has a width, measured as a distancerelative to the side rail 102 a of between about 1 inch to about 6inches. In one embodiment the goal has a diwth of about 3 inches. In oneembodiment, at least one goal has a depth, as measured as a distancerelative to the end rail 102 b of between about 3 inches to about 18inches. In one embodiment the goal has a depth of about 9 inches.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, one or more of the goals has a goalvalue 107. The goal value 107 is the value awarded for scoring a puck103 in that specific goal. The goal value 107, in one embodiment,comprises a number or point value located on the game surface 101. Inother embodiments the goal value 107 is depicted above or behind thegoal 105.

As depicted, the two side goals 105 a,d comprise a lower goal value 107compared to the two inner goals 105 b,c. This is because in someembodiments, it is easier to score the two side goals 105 a,d relativeto the two inner goals 105 b,c because the puck 103 can be bounced off aside rail into the side goals 105 a,d. While the goals comprise goalvalues 107 of 1, 3, 4, and 2, respectfully, this is for illustrativepurposes only.

The goals 105 are located between the end rail 102 b and the goal line108. The goal line 108 is the line of demarcation separating the goal105 from the field of play 111. The goal line 108 is the further pointupstream that the goal 105 extends. In one embodiment the goal line 108comprises a cross member which extends perpendicular between the twoside rails 102 a.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the goal line 108 comprises a goalslot 106 through which the pucks 103 enter the goal 105. In oneembodiment, the goal slot 106 is shorter than the width of the goal. Putdifferently, as an example, if the width of the goal is 4 inches, thegoal slot 106 would be 3 inches. In still other embodiments, however,the width of the goal is equal to the goal slot 106.

Now turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the goal slot inone embodiment. As can be seen, the puck 103 is shown as being locatedwithin the goal slot 106. As depicted, the goal line 108 is the furthestpoint upstream of the goal line cross-member. In one embodiment, theentire puck 103 must be downstream of the goal line 108 for the puck 103to score a goal. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the puck103 must be located in the goal 105 for the puck 103 to score.

Virtually any slidable item can be used as a puck 103. The pucks 103 cancomprise wood, plastic, metal, polymers, and virtually any material. Thepucks 103 can also comprise virtually any shape including cylindrical,rectangular, polygonal, etc.

In the embodiment depicted the pucks 103 comprise a cylindrical shape.The pucks 103 resemble a wafer, similar to a hockey puck. The size ofthe puck 103 can vary with the size of the table. In one embodiment thepucks have a diameter of between about one-half of an inch to about 4inches. In another embodiment the pucks have a diameter of about 2.25inches. The height of the puck can vary from between about 0.1 inches toabout 0.5 inches. In another embodiment the puck has a height of about0.25 inches.

As discussed, the game table 100 can have various dimensions. In oneembodiment it has a length of between about one foot to about ten feet,and a width of between about six inches to about six feet. In oneembodiment the table comprises a width of about 2 feet and a length ofabout 4 feet. The smaller size is as advantage compared to other gamesin that it requires comparatively less space to play. Thus, the tablecan be used in places which would not fit a billiards table, forexample.

In one embodiment comprising a 2 feet by 4 feet table, the scratch guard104 is 19 inches from the front end rail 102 b. In one such embodimentthe goals are 3 inches wide and 9 inches in length. Pucks, in one suchembodiment, have a diameter of 2.25 inches and a height of 0.25 inches.

The game table 100, in one embodiment, is raised vertically relative tothe ground so that the users can stand comfortably and still play thegame. In one embodiment the game table 100 does not have any legs orsupport but instead is placed upon another table or surface. In stillother embodiments, the game table 100 comprises legs or other supportstructure so that the game table 100 can be a free-standing structure.In one embodiment the game table 100 comprises legs which can foldunderneath the game table 100 such that the game table 100 can be easilytransported.

Now that a game table 100, in one embodiment, has been described, amethod of playing the game will now be described. The following rulesare intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemedlimiting.

Tournament Style

In so-called tournament style, one or more players throws all of theirpucks 103, tabulates their score, and then compares their score to thescore of other players. The number of pucks 103 utilized in a game canvary. In one embodiment the number of pucks 103 ranges from 1 to 50. Inone embodiment, 30 pucks 103 are utilized. One example will be discussedwherein each player is alloted 30 pucks 103. This is for illustrativepurposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

The first player approaches the playing table 100. The player can placeall of the pucks in the shooting zone 110, as depicted in FIG. 1, or theuser can simply grasp one puck 103 at a time from a puck storagereceptacle. The puck storage can be coupled to the table or storedremotely.

The first player then shoots the puck by sliding the puck 103 along theshooting zone 110 and releasing upstream of the scratch guard 104. Theobjective of the player is to release the puck 103 such that the puck103 ends up in one of the goals 105. In one embodiment, scoring is nottabulated until all of the player's pucks have been shot becausesometimes a puck will be dislodged or removed from a goal by asubsequent puck. If the player shoots the puck into the far left goal105 a, the puck 103 would be worth 1 point, assuming it is notsubsequently dislodged. If the player shoots the puck 103 into thesecond from the left goal 105 b, the puck 103 would be worth 3 points,assuming it is not subsequently dislodged. The final score is tabulatedby adding all of the pucks 103 in a specific goal 105 and multiplying bythe goal value 107. Using the table depicted in FIG. 1, if the playerhad four, three, four, and two pucks in the goals moving from left toright, that player would score 29 points. The next player would thenthrow their pucks to see if they could beat that score.

In one embodiment a single game is played as described above. A firstplayer plays, and then a second player plays, and the player with thehigher score wins. However, in other embodiments, the players play to agoal score. The goal score can vary depending on the desired length ofthe game, the goal values, and the players' skill. In one embodiment thegoal score ranges from 50 to 1,000 or more.

In one embodiment using a goal score, the first player to a goal scorewins. In other embodiments, however, all players are allowed the sameamount of turns. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, if the first playerwere to reach the goal score first, then the second and third playerswould also get a turn. If player three also reaches the goal score, thenthe highest score wins. If, however, the third player reaches the goalscore first, the game is over as all players have had the same amount ofturns.

As noted, in one embodiment, the puck must completely clear the goalline 108 to be counted. This can be determined visually, or in someembodiments, an object such as a finger or another puck 103 is movedalong the goal line 108. If a puck 103 in question is touched by themoving object, then the puck 103 in question does not count. Likewise,if the puck 103 in question does not move by the moving object, then thepuck 103 is clearly downstream of the goal line 108 and thereforecounts.

In one embodiment, if the puck 103 is thrown downstream of the scratchguard 104 and it bounces back into the shooting zone 110, then that puckis considered a dead puck and is removed from the shooting zone 110. Inother embodiments, however, if a puck 103 bounces back into the shootingzone 110, it is considered a live puck and the player can reshoot thatpuck 103.

In one embodiment, the puck 103 must slide below the scratch guard 104;any puck 103 going above the scratch guard 104 is removed and becomes adead puck Likewise, in one embodiment, any puck which leaves the playingtable 100 becomes a dead puck.

In one embodiment, “stacking” it utilized. FIG. 3 is a perspective viewof the goals in one embodiment. As can be seen, a stack 109 of pucks 103is located in the far right goal 105 d. A player can request stackingwhen a stacking quantity of pucks have landed in a single goal. Thestacking quantity can comprise any number of pucks from two to ten ormore depending upon the size of the pucks and the size of the goal. Inone embodiment, the stacking quantity is five.

Stacking is a reward when a player has located the stacking quantity ofpucks 103 in a single goal. In one embodiment, the playescr must requeststacking after five pucks 103 are in a single goal. If the player doesnot request the stacking, then the pucks are not stacked. This forcesthe player to pay attention and keep track with the number of pucks. Inother embodiments, however, the stacking takes place automaticallywithout a requirement from the player.

The result of stacking is that the five pucks, or other designatedstacking quantity, can be stacked into a single vertical stack of pucks.This increases room within the goal to allow for additional pucks.Further, in one embodiment, additional points, called the stack bonus,are awarded for stacking. The stack bonus can comprise points which areadded to the points which the five pucks 103 would otherwise be awarded.As an example, if the five pucks are in a goal with a goal value 107 ofone, the five pucks are worth five points. However, in embodimentsutilizing a stack bonus, the bonus can be added to the traditionalvalue. Thus, if the stack bonus is 50 points, the stack value is nowworth 55 points. In other embodiments, however, the stack bonus is aflat amount. A flat amount is a value which is independent of the goalvalue 107 for that goal. In embodiments utilizing a flat amount, thestack bonus is the same regardless of the goal value 107. Thus, if theflat amount is 100 points, the five pucks in the goal with a goal value107 of one are worth 100 points Likewise, a stack of pucks located in agoal with a goal value 107 of four are also worth 100 points. Assuming30 pucks and a stack bonus comprising a flat amount of 100 points, themaximum score is 600 points per round.

One embodiment has been discussed wherein a player exhausts all of theirpucks 103 before a subsequent player has a round. This is referred to asan exhausting round. In an exhausting round, a single player is playingat a time. Conversely, in a combination round two or more players playon the same table at the same time. A combination round, for example,would have two players each with 15 pucks 103. The pucks 103 cancomprise different colors. In this embodiment, player one throws a puck103 and them player two throws a puck 103. This continues until allpucks have been thrown. In this embodiment, a player is allowed todisrupt or dislodge other player's pucks and strategy. As an example, ifplayer one is about to get a stack in the first goal 105 a, the secondplayer can aim for the first goal 105 a making it more difficult for thefirst player to get a stack. In such embodiments, the score is tabulatedafter all pucks 103 have been thrown.

Child's Play

Another version of the game is referred to as child's play. In thisversion all of the pucks 103 are scored the same regardless of the pointvalue 107 associated with that goal. This version allows children whocannot yet multiply or perform the arithmetic necessary to keep score toplay the game.

As discussed above, in one embodiment the game surface 101 comprises aflat planar surface. In other embodiments, the game surface 101comprises a non-planar surface. In one embodiment the game surface 101comprises a hump, a ramp, a divot, a bump, or other obstacles. Theobstacles increase the difficulty of the playing table. As an example, agoal 105 with a comparatively increased goal value 107 may comprise abump or rod located in front of the center of its goal slot 106. Such anobstacle would prevent players from shooting a straight shot into thatgoal. Rather, the player would have to shoot at an angle or ricochet offthe rails 102 in order to score that goal.

In one embodiment the game surface 101 comprises small holes throughwhich air is introduced to decrease friction, similar to an air hockeytable.

While one embodiment has been described wherein the score is calculatedmanually, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not bedeemed limiting. For example, in one embodiment, the table automaticallycalculates the score. In such an embodiment the puck 103 comprises asensor which is read by the goal 105 and/or the goal line 108. When thepuck 103 crosses the goal line 108, the sensor within the puck 103 isread and the table acknowledges the puck 103 as a score. The table thenmultiplies by the given goal value 107 to determine the score for thatpuck. The table can also determine the stack bonus after it has sensedthe stacked quantity of pucks 103 in the goal. In one embodiment, thecumulative score is depicted as the game is in progress.

Likewise, while one embodiment has been described wherein the table is aphysical table, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not bedeemed limiting. In one embodiment, the table comprises an electronicgame. The table described above can be displayed on an electronic screensuch as a computer, smart phone, tablet, smart television, etc. Thusplayer can use any motion detection medium known in the art to controland direct the puck 103 electronically. As an example, in one embodimentusing a smart phone, the player can grab the puck electronically withthe player's finger, and make a swiping motion to throw the puck. Oneskilled in the art will understand how to utilize the variouscapabilities in a smart phone to provide for this capability. In otherembodiments, a game controller, mouse, remote, or other input device isused to control the puck.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of thedisclosed invention.

Clause 1. A table for playing a game, said table comprising:

-   -   a game surface surrounded by two side rails and two end rails,        wherein the two end rails are approximately perpendicular to the        two side rails;    -   at least one goal located on a downstream end of the table,        wherein said at least one goal comprises a goal slot;    -   a scratch guard located upstream of said goal separating said        game surface into a shooting zone and a field of play, wherein        said field of play is downstream from said shooting zone,        wherein said scratch guard is separated from the game surface by        a playing distance.

Clause 2. The table of any preceding or proceeding clause furthercomprising at least one puck, wherein the puck comprises a height whichis less than said playing distance and which is sized to fit within saidgoal slot.

Clause 3. The table of any preceding or proceeding clause furthercomprising at least two goals, wherein said at least two goals furthercomprise a goal value.

Clause 4. The table of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein eachof said goal values is dissimilar.

Clause 5. The table of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidtable has a width of about 2 feet, a length of about 4 feet, and whereinsaid puck comprises a diameter of about 2.25 inches.

Clause 6. A method of playing a game on a table, said table comprising:

-   -   a game surface surrounded by two side rails and two end rails,        wherein the two end rails are approximately perpendicular to the        two side rails;    -   at least one goal located on a downstream end of the table,        wherein said at least one goal comprises a goal slot;    -   a scratch guard located upstream of said goal separating said        game surface into a shooting zone and a field of play;    -   wherein said method comprises the following:    -   a) shooting at least one puck and releasing said at least one        puck upstream of the scratch guard;    -   b) counting the number of pucks located within a goal;    -   c) tabulating a score.

Clause 7. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause furthercomprising stacking wherein if a stacking quantity of pucks are locatedin a single goal, the pucks are stacked in a vertical stack.

Clause 8. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause furthercomprising a stack bonus.

Clause 9. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidstack bonus comprises a flat amount.

Clause 10. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein eachgoal comprises a goal value, and wherein tabulating of step c) comprisesmultiplying the number of pucks within a goal by the goal value.

Clause 11. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidtable comprises four goals with the first goal having a goal value ofone, the second goal having a goal value of three, the third goal havinga goal value of four, and the fourth goal having a goal value of 2.

Clause 12. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidgoal comprises a goal line, and wherein said counting of step b)comprises counting only the pucks which are completely downstream fromsaid goal line.

Clause 13. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidshooting comprises shooting 30 pucks.

Clause 14. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidshooting comprises shooting on an electronic table.

Clause 15. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidtable is an electronic table located.

Clause 16. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidfield of play is downstream from said shooting zone, wherein saidscratch guard is separated from the game surface by a playing distance.

Clause 17. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidtable has a width of about 2 feet, a length of about 4 feet, whereinsaid puck comprises a diameter of about 2.25 inches, and wherein saidscratch guard is located about 19 inches from a first end rail.

Clause 18. The method of any preceding or proceeding clause wherein saidgame surface is substantially planar.

1. A table for playing a game, said table comprising: a game surfacesurrounded by two side rails and two end rails, wherein the two endrails are approximately perpendicular to the two side rails; at leastone goal located on a downstream end of the table, wherein said at leastone goal comprises a goal slot; a scratch guard located upstream of saidgoal separating said game surface into a shooting zone and a field ofplay, wherein said field of play is downstream from said shooting zone,wherein said scratch guard is separated from the game surface by aplaying distance.
 2. The table of claim 1 further comprising at leastone puck, wherein the puck comprises a height which is less than saidplaying distance and which is sized to fit within said goal slot.
 3. Thetable of claim 1 further comprising at least two goals, wherein said atleast two goals further comprise a goal value.
 4. The table of claim 3wherein each of said goal values is dissimilar.
 5. The table of claim 2wherein said table has a width of about 2 feet, a length of about 4feet, and wherein said puck comprises a diameter of about 2.25 inches.6. A method of playing a game on a table, said table comprising: a gamesurface surrounded by two side rails and two end rails, wherein the twoend rails are approximately perpendicular to the two side rails; atleast one goal located on a downstream end of the table, wherein said atleast one goal comprises a goal slot; a scratch guard located upstreamof said goal separating said game surface into a shooting zone and afield of play; wherein said method comprises the following: a) shootingat least one puck and releasing said at least one puck upstream of thescratch guard; b) counting the number of pucks located within a goal; c)tabulating a score.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising stackingwherein if a stacking quantity of pucks are located in a single goal,the pucks are stacked in a vertical stack.
 8. The method of claim 7further comprising a stack bonus.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein saidstack bonus comprises a flat amount.
 10. The method of claim 6 whereineach goal comprises a goal value, and wherein tabulating of step c)comprises multiplying the number of pucks within a goal by the goalvalue.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said table comprises fourgoals with the first goal having a goal value of one, the second goalhaving a goal value of three, the third goal having a goal value offour, and the fourth goal having a goal value of
 2. 12. The method ofclaim 6 wherein said goal comprises a goal line, and wherein saidcounting of step b) comprises counting only the pucks which arecompletely downstream from said goal line.
 13. The method of claim 6wherein said shooting comprises shooting 30 pucks.
 14. The method ofclaim 6 wherein said shooting comprises shooting on an electronic table.15. The method of claim 6 wherein said table is an electronic table. 16.The method of claim 6 wherein said field of play is downstream from saidshooting zone, wherein said scratch guard is separated from the gamesurface by a playing distance.
 17. The method of claim 6 wherein saidtable has a width of about 2 feet, a length of about 4 feet, whereinsaid puck comprises a diameter of about 2.25 inches, and wherein saidscratch guard is located about 19 inches from a first end rail.
 18. Themethod of claim 6 wherein said game surface is substantially planar.